This is the story of how Dean ended up being a Night Hunter and also how he meets Castiel. The Fairytale AU is a little too much fun to just leave alone in one fic. If it isn't self-evident (at least by the time this is done), I've read my fair share of 'stories from around the world' and other such things. But anyway, on with the tale!

Once, in the outskirts of a small, grimy village, there was a boy named Dean Winchester. The three most important things in Dean's world were his father, John; his brother, Sam; and the leggy colt; Impala. Mary Winchester died in a fire long ago, leaving John and the boys to pick up the remnants of their family from the ashes and live a life without her.

John was a trapper and a hunter. When the trees let loose their scarlet leaves, he would go out into the woods, and every day he would come back with pelts and hides to sell and exchange for supplies and food. Life wasn't easy (when was it ever?) but they lived. And then one day, John didn't come back.

The boys waited for three days. Between their chores, they would look over their shoulders to the hill, seeking the figure of their father and his horse, Chevy. On the fourth day, their calm had broken, and they became restless. On the fifth day, Dean turned to his brother and said,

"We need to find him."

They packed the dried meat, the canteens of water, and the last two loafs of bread. Taking a deep breath, Dean gripped Impala's reins in one hand and Sam's hand tightly in the other. Together, the two boys strode deep into the forest.

They walked along the familiar path, as they had done many times when scavenging for berries in the wood. They walked, and walked, and walked until they came to a clearing. It was green with life and the sun bathed it in golden light.

"Children," called the Sun, "What brings you to such a place as this? You should be home, running in the fields and whispering to the brooks."

"Oh Mother Sun," answered Sam, "We are looking for our father. He is a great trapper and has not been home in five days. Have you seen him or his black horse, Chevy?"

"I saw a hunter on a black horse following the river north. Perhaps that is your father."

The boys thanked the Sun and hurried along their way. They followed the river upstream, heading to the northern mountains. Night fell, and the moon rose up from the forest's edge.

"Children," called the Moon, "Why are you out here in the dark? It is cold, and you should be warm and safe at home."

"Oh Father Moon," answered Dean, "We are looking for our father. He is a great hunter, and we are afraid he is lost. He rides a black horse, like mine. Have you seen him?"

"Poor boys, I have seen your father. But he is far ahead of you. I am afraid you will not catch him tonight. Continue your path along the river. You will come upon a house. Knock three times and ask for Missouri. She will give you a place to rest and help you in the morning."

The boys thanked the Moon and hurried along their way. They walked and walked until they came to a small house. Dean left Sam with Impala and walked up the creaking steps. He knocked three times as the Moon had instructed.

"Who is it?" said a stern voice.

"I'm looking for Missouri. Father Moon said that she would let us stay for the night."

The door swung open to reveal a large, heavy set woman with skin dark as night. Her eyes shone under the lamp light. She was easily the most terrifying woman Dean had ever seen in his life. She clicked her tongue and muttered something under her breath about wayward sons, then called out to Sam and told him to bring the horse around back. Dean went back to Sam, and together the boys led the tired colt to a patch of soft, sweet grass. They rubbed down her black coat, whispering their thanks in her ears and telling her that they loved her. The boys left her there to graze and rest. They made their way wearily up the steps of the back porch.

Missouri sat them down at a large table, already set for two boys, and served them each a slice of apple pie. Between forkfuls of sweet pastry, they told her why they were wandering the woods. Missouri clicked her tongue once more and shook her head.

"Your father was called to join the Night Hunters in the Wild Hunt. You will have to travel a long road to find him again. But," she gathered them into her arms, "For now it is time to rest."

In the safety of her embrace, both boys yawned, and felt their eyes grow heavy. She settled them on a makeshift bed, covering them with a thick heavy blanket and blowing out the candle.

Reviews are much appreciated.